A HERITAGE railway renowned for its historic steam trains has introduced a modern addition using battery power.

South Devon Railway’s new buffet car 35327 is a fully refurbished carriage offering passengers food and drink served from a vehicle that still reflects its 1960s origins.

While at first glance, the carriage retains the look and feel of its era.

Behind the counter, however, the technology tells a different story.

The buffet car is powered entirely by batteries, with no generator or bottled gas.

Energy stored overnight is used to run a full suite of equipment including a bean to cup coffee machine, hot water boiler, fridges, draught beer cooling system and lighting.

During the day, the system is supported by power generated from the movement of the train itself.

It is a quieter and more efficient approach that fits alongside the railway’s wider efforts to operate more sustainably while maintaining the heritage experience visitors expect.

Inside, the design has been carefully updated with dedicated room for up to four wheelchair users to travel.

Carriage 35327 had a varied life before arriving in its current form.

Built by British Railways at Wolverton in 1962, it originally featured passenger compartments, a luggage space and a guard’s section.

It was later converted into a courier van for transporting high security loads, complete with space for security personnel.

After a period in storage at Meldon Quarry on Dartmoor, it arrived at the South Devon Railway in 2021 where it was initially used as a generator vehicle.

Over the past year it has been extensively rebuilt, balancing modern requirements with its historic structure.

Ernest Elsworth Wilson, General Manager of South Devon Railway, explained: ‘This carriage has had an interesting journey to get here.

‘What we have now is something that respects its history but also works for how people travel today.

‘It gives passengers a comfortable space, improves accessibility and allows us to offer a better on board experience, while also reducing the need for traditional power sources.’